If I ever get down about Toronto, I only need to remind myself that I have the world at my fingertips.

Ethiopia, Poland, over here now. Korea, you too.

Hodo Kwaja (656 Bloor Street West) is one place that reminds me of that. No-frills Korean-style desserts within a 15-minute bike ride?Sign me up.

Their desserts are minimal, but addictive. The pancakes, in particular, stuffed with a oozingly delicious layer of brown sugar and nuts or red bean, make me squeal with joy, especially when they’re made fresh. (Last I took notice, it’s 6pm.)

The care in presentation is deliberate. The way the pancakes and walnut cakes are packaged, the organized chaos of the iced red bean bowls — it’s all beautiful in a very simple way.

Also, the staff here are always beaming and accommodating. Case in point: after my friend accidentally tipped over her iced red-bean bowl, the woman on staff smiled, collected the spilled portion, told her not to be sorry, and then RE-FILLED the bowl with new toppings at no cost whatsoever.

Who DOES that anymore? Seriously.

Their seating space ain’t fabulous, but it adds to the whole “you’re in Asia and getting a deal” feeling.

No matter: their offerings are best enjoyed while walking around Koreatown anyway, and now that it’s the summer… I’ll be doing that and not turning my back on Toronto ever again.

Nom.